The Texas Workforce Commission on its website has a list of scenarios related to the COVID-19 outbreak for those seeking unemployment benefits. It addresses situations like being in quarantine (self, employer or government ordered) as employers closing businesses or laying off staff.

Here are a few of the possible scenarios:

If you’re laid off because you employer has to close the business or reduce staff, you may be eligible.

If you self-quarantine and have COVID-19, you may be eligible.

If an employer keeps a business open, but you’re placed on reduced hours, you may be eligible for partial unemployment.

“If you get paid your regular pay or sick leave while you are out of work, you may not be eligible or it may affect how much you receive if you are,” according to the commission.

According to the commission, unemployment benefits claims will be evaluated based on past wages, the type of job separation (layoff, a reduction in hours, being fired but not for misconduct, etc.) and ongoing eligibility requirements.

Texas Workforce Commission waives waiting week

On March 17, Gov. Greg Abbott instructed the commission to waive the waiting week for unemployment benefits.

“Under normal circumstances, TWC cannot pay for the first week of a claim until an individual receives 2 times their weekly benefit amount and returns to full-time work or has exhausted their benefits,” a news release reads. “However, by waiving the waiting week, Gov. Abbott has provided the opportunity for TWC to provide relief to Texans who need it.”

The commission is also waiving unemployment insurance work search requirements. Typically to be eligible for unemployment benefits, applicants had to register for work search on WorkinTexas.com and meet a number of search activities each week, according to the release.

More resources

The Texas Workforce commission has information available for employers and job seekers related to COVID-19 on its website.